Joanne Juanita Sharp Ryden

Joanne Juanita Sharp Ryden of Franklin, TN died January 22, 2018. Jo was a lively, sharp-witted, woman, born July 22, 1927 in Ithaca, NY.

She caught the eye of her husband, Fred Ward Ryden, MD, while they were students earning bachelor’s degrees at University of Colorado, Boulder. Together they moved to Nashville, TN. Jo was a telephone operator and worked in the Vanderbilt University library until she became a mother. Jo followed her creative spirit in designing gardens, quilting, and embroidery. She also attended Middle Tennessee State University to study art. Jo was one of the instigators of the night ride potlucks with participants from Percy Warner Riding Academy in Nashville, TN, and was loved by all the “Barn Bums.”

Jo is survived by her sons, Dexter Ward, Paul (Lori Miller) Cory and her daughter, Amanda Mary Ryden. She is survived by her grandchildren, Jackson, Tyler, and Anna.

Services will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on 510 West Main Street, Franklin, TN on Friday, 1 pm, followed by a reception at the church where humorous stories about Jo will be shared.

That’s Jo in the raft with her mouth wide open. James and I are in the front. Jo and I went to undergraduate school together at MTSU in the 1990’s with the guide of the raft, Duane “Chew” Brown. The photo was taken at “Hell Hole” on the Ocoee River in East Tennessee. They took “Hell Hole” out before the Atlanta Olympics in 1994 because it was too dangerous for the kayakers who’d be competing on the Ocoee. It’s one hell of a river now. Hell Hole lived up to its name. There was a huge vortex that you had to know and be able to get around or you’d be sucked in and, hopefully, spit back out down river. Jo’s face says it all. Chew got us a spot to camp with the guides who told stories about the crazy trips they’d taken down that river. Jo was 30 years older than all of us and kept up with the youngest of us.

We were the only non-traditional (older than straight out-a-high school) students in the art department. She was the first college graduate I got to know as a friend. Our studios were side by side. We talk about our lives, art and the latest piece we’d heard on NPR. I could ask her anything. Tell her anything. She was always on my side even when she’d be pissed cause I’d gotten on her bad side. She would give LeDoux hell, our painting professor who we adored. He’d often give his upper level students a letter or comments meant to get a rise. He was well known for his art and his ability to piss people off. LeDoux was well known for his ability to piss people off. Jo would reply in a similar, challenging manner. She’d gotten her degree in liberal arts at Berkley long before it was cool to do so. She wasn’t afraid to take him on. I know people who know me now would not believe it, but before I went to college in my late 20’s I was too shy and insecure to barely talk at all. Jo taught me not to be afraid to speak my mind. Y’all got her to thank for that. I got her to thank for that.

Modest in appearance. Bought and wore the same blue uniform pants from Wal-Mart with a simple tailored shirt and a cardigan when there was a chill in the air. Finger waved curls, sensible short cut, greying hair. Putting on airs was not her style. She had plenty to brag about if she’d have wanted to. My Daddy was tinker. Jo’s Daddy invented powder milk while teaching at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Her husband was a pathologist at Vanderbilt. When he died suddenly of lung cancer after just retiring, Jo never skipped a beat. She came to school, finished the work on “the cabin” she and her husband were renovating for their later years together. She told me about how the cabin was on a piece of property that included the house where they raised their 3 kids. They were downsizing to the cabin where a fellow had lived and did work for Jo until he died. It sounded so quaint and lovely. She invited me to that cabin in Leiper’s Fork just outside of Franklin, TN. Turned out part of it was built in the 1,700’s, another in the 1800’s with the current addition added in the 1900’s. They had sold part of the property and the house they moved from to Wynona Judd. There were several more houses on the property. Her daughter Amanda told me of a time when they kids that some black kids had come to ride horses at their house. Those kids were the Jackson 5. Amanda didn’t really didn’t know who they were, her Momma didn’t believe in watching much TV. Raised her youngins to use their own minds. I got to know her kids and grandkids through her stories and in person. We both have fiery, feisty daughters named Amanda. We marveled at how unique and special our babies all are. I’d visit her as often as I could throughout the years. Her rich life story and wisdom always drew me near.

Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Condolence

Name *

Email *

Obituary Guidelines

First, locate the condolence form to the left and below any other condolences. Then you will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone). Once you are finished typing your message, simply click the submit condolence button. It may take up to 24 hours for your message to appear.

Share This Obituary

Your Name*

Your Email*

Their Name*

Their Email*

Message

Phone

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

How to Share an Obituary on Facebook

Click on the image above to access the video and the step by step instructions.

Get Obits On Your Phone

Use your Smartphone to scan the QR Code below to access this page on your phone.